Brits Turn to UK Breaks This Summer
More than 25 million UK adults are not planning an overseas holiday this year, according to new research by National Rail. A poll of 2,000 people found that 48% are skipping foreign trips in 2026. The cost of living was the most common reason, named by 33%, alongside travel disruption, airport stress and the ongoing jet fuel supply shortage.
The research suggests many people are choosing UK breaks instead, with some saying they want to see more of their own country or avoid being stuck abroad. Around 34% said recent jet fuel supply shortages had affected their holiday plans, while 22% said they did not mind having no foreign trip booked and 19% felt overseas holidays were not worth booking now.
Where Staycationers Are Looking
National Rail said several UK destinations are standing out among people planning domestic trips this year:
- Lake District: 17%
- Devon: 15%
- Cornwall: 15%
- Train travel planned by staycationers: 36%
- Rise in summer coastal rail ticket sales: 10%
The increase was recorded between April and mid-May for travel to popular British coastal destinations.
UK rail breaks could make areas such as the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall feel more practical for holidaymakers avoiding airports. Train journeys also open up coastal towns, countryside routes and city breaks without long check-in queues or luggage stress. Respondents said they liked scenic views, time to read, and the sense that the journey can become part of the trip.
The shift does not mean overseas holidays are suddenly over; price, fuel issues and airport pressure are simply pushing more people to reconsider familiar options. Britain has enough beaches, lakes, cities and countryside to carry a strong summer season, but rail capacity, pricing and reliability will matter. A staycation only feels easy if the journey behaves itself.
